20. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Postmaster-General what is the present waiting list for telephones in Glasgow; and what were the comparable figures on the same date in each of the previous three years.
§ Mr. StonehouseAt 31st January, 1969—2,372. On the same date in the three previous years the list was 17, 891 and 604, respectively.
Mr. TaylorCan the Postmaster-General give a reason for the increase, bearing in mind the substantial number of people who are having their telephones disconnected because of the increased charges?
§ Mr. StonehouseThe reason for the increase in the waiting list in Glasgow is that under this Administration standards are rising enormously in Scotland and there is, therefore, a growing demand for the telephone, which we are very glad to see. Out of the 2,372 to which 1899 I referred, nearly 2,000 will have telephones connected within the next two months. This is a very good result.